Fiji has launched a five-year national organic farming policy aimed at increasing organically managed land, expanding export certification and creating new opportunities for smallholder farmers, women and youth.
The National Organic Policy 2026-2030 was launched by Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna at Teitei Farm in Sigatoka.
The policy sets targets to increase organically managed land from 4 per cent to 20 per cent by 2030, achieve 50 per cent certification of key export crops and promote greater consumption of locally produced organic foods.
Mr Tunabuna said the policy would combine local knowledge, innovation and science to support Fiji's organic sector.
"The National Organic Policy builds on Fiji's rich agricultural traditions by bringing together indigenous knowledge, innovation, and science to sustain the health of our soils, ecosystems, and people," he said.
The policy was developed with technical leadership from the Pacific Community and support from the Australian Government's Market Development Facility, which helped validate the framework.
Agriculture supports more than 70,000 households in Fiji, with the policy designed to help address climate change, rising production costs and pressure on food systems.
It will guide Fiji's work to expand organic production and value chains, increase market opportunities, strengthen standards and certification systems, and build institutional support for the sector.
The policy places particular emphasis on smallholder farmers, women and youth, with the Government seeking to increase their participation in Fiji's organic economy.
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the policy, with provisions being considered through the national budget process to support the adoption of organic farming practices.
Those measures are intended to support farmers transitioning to organic production and strengthen the systems needed for sector growth.
Mr Tunabuna said the Ministry would now work with the Market Development Facility on a detailed plan for carrying out the policy.
"Following Cabinet endorsement, the Ministry will work with the Australian Government's Market Development Facility to develop a comprehensive implementation plan outlining the actions, resources, and governance arrangements needed to achieve the policy's objectives," he said.
"The Ministry will also prioritise nationwide awareness and engagement activities to ensure farmers, industry stakeholders, and development partners are informed and actively involved in implementing the policy."
Implementation work will include the establishment of an Organic Technical Working Group to oversee the policy and improve collaboration across government ministries.
The Ministry will also appoint a full-time coordinator to manage the working group and drive implementation.
An initial subsidy will be introduced to support farmers seeking organic certification.
Farmer training, innovation, certification support and market development will be central to achieving the 2030 targets.
The Ministry said the policy provided a practical pathway for Fiji's agriculture sector as it responds to climate and economic pressures.
Mr Tunabuna encouraged farmers, development partners and consumers to support the organic sector.
"Supporting local organic produce strengthens our economy, protects our environment, and promotes healthier communities," he said.
"Together, we can build a credible, inclusive, and competitive organic sector that delivers sustainable livelihoods for all Fijians."
The National Organic Policy 2026-2030 will now move into implementation, with work to focus on certification, farmer support, market access and wider awareness across the country.
